Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health system through the full implementation of the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) — a major component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Salako made this known on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during his special remarks at the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector held at the Transcorp Event Centre, Abuja.
Describing the event as “a journey of self and mutual assessment”, the Minister said the JAR provides a platform for government, development partners, and other stakeholders to evaluate progress in advancing the health priorities of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda’s nine-point health plan represents not just a policy statement, but a covenant between government and citizens to safeguard the health of Nigerians and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.
“The operationalisation of the NHSRII is not just an opportunity for expenditure—it is an investment with clear returns,” Dr. Salako said. “We estimate an economic return worth ₦4.8 trillion annually, saved from losses to preventable diseases, and the potential to retain ₦850 billion currently spent on medical tourism.”
He added that the reforms are projected to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths by 50%, narrow the 19-year life expectancy gap among states, and strengthen Nigeria’s health security architecture to make the system pandemic-ready.
Highlighting achievements recorded so far, Dr. Salako disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has developed over 21 new strategic policies to drive the national health agenda. He also announced the establishment of 13 new federal tertiary hospitals, six cancer centres of excellence, and over 500 new high-impact health projects across the country.
The Minister further revealed that efforts are underway to expand health insurance coverage, revitalise Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, and reposition Nigeria’s health research ecosystem to reflect local priorities.
On health financing, Dr. Salako admitted that although the country’s health budget remains below the 15% Abuja Declaration target, progress has been made. He reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the National Assembly’s ongoing advocacy to raise the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocation from 1% to 2% of the consolidated revenue fund.
“We are also shifting from process-based to results-based disbursement,” he explained. “Through the BHCPF and its Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), funds are now released for measurable outcomes.”
He announced that the Federal Government is set to produce more health workers through an expansion and retention strategy, while also creating platforms to engage Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora.
Dr. Salako noted the successes of digital transformation in the sector through the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative, which connects thousands of health facilities and captures millions of patient encounters nationwide. He also cited the Power 4 Health Initiative, aimed at tackling energy challenges in healthcare delivery.
Calling for stronger partnerships, the Minister urged state governments to provide counterpart funding for the BHCPF and commit more resources to health insurance implementation. He also appealed to development partners to align with national priorities under the NHSRII, and to private investors to channel resources into local production of health commodities, medical equipment, and vaccines.
He commended traditional and religious leaders for their role in promoting health-seeking behaviour and discouraging harmful traditional practices, while calling for their continued support in community-level health advocacy.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is ambitious because Nigeria’s challenges are enormous,” Dr. Salako said. “But hope without action is delusion. The NHSRII is the action that will translate our hope into reality.”
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